The Shangguan Family never provoked Chen Yuan, and because of Shangguan Yu, their relationship remained rather acceptable, but Chen Yuan was close only to Shangguan Yu.

If it's just because of a word or a person, it probably won't change Chen Yuan's attitude.

This is something Shangguan Yu must mention.

The Five Great Families may be lofty, but it depends on whom they're dealing with. For an ordinary martial artist, marrying a direct daughter of the Five Great Families is certainly reaching high, but considering Chen Yuan's current status and strength, it's the Shangguan Family that's reaching high.

The strength of the Five Great Families isn't actually that formidable. Except for the Gu Family having a Yang God ancestor, the other four families don't have any Yang Gods.

Though their reputation is quite prominent, their real strength isn't as impressive.

For a potential stock like Chen Yuan, if one wants to seize it, they must invest while he has not yet fully grown; that's a life-saver in the snow, a favor remembered for life.

Now, it's just icing on the cake; Chen Yuan might not even want it.

Shangguan Tiehong remained silent, quiet for a long while, and then said softly:

"You handle this matter yourself."

After speaking, he led a few Shangguan Clan elders out of the room.

After they left, Shangguan Hong's gaze shifted and he said softly:

"Brother, why did you...."

Shangguan Yu looked down at the bustling crowd below and said indifferently:

"The Shangguan Clan has always remained lofty, never lowering themselves to look at others. Brother Chen seems approachable, but he has a proud heart. If father's attitude remains as before, it's impossible to reach an agreement. We must suppress their arrogance.

Let them know that the Shangguan Clan is insignificant in front of the current Marquis of Martial Peace. It's best to build a good relationship, but if not, there should be no resentment."

"Brother did the right thing."

Shangguan Hong's character is somewhat similar to Shangguan Yu, and because of past events, he is somewhat dissatisfied with the family, but they aren't in charge yet, so they can't make decisions.

Moreover, a family's survival strategy is indeed like this. It's impossible to take risks because of one person.

But afterward, expecting high returns is impossible as well.

"Sister, don't worry, even if I have to sacrifice my reputation, I'll make sure Brother Chen accepts you," Shangguan Yu said playfully, seeing his sister's thoughts.

"Don't say that. Even if Chen Yuan doesn't take a fancy to me, it's good to become friends," Shangguan Hong forced a smile, not feeling too well.

"Don't be discouraged, you are after all a direct daughter of the Shangguan Family, clean background. Although you might not be a stunning beauty, you are still quite remarkable. Even though I said those things in front of father earlier,

the Shangguan Family, especially in the Southern regions and in Shuzhou, still holds some power. With Brother Chen taking over Shuzhou, governing the Three States in the South, it may seem like a tall building, but the foundation isn't stable now. He won't refuse the goodwill from the Shangguan Family."

Shangguan Yu smiled.

"Mm."

"Also, before Zhang Xuan left Nanling Prefecture a few days ago, he sent me a letter saying Chen Yuan has now become his half-brother-in-law, boasting a bit. How can I tolerate that? Since Brother Chen is his brother-in-law, then I can be the elder brother-in-law, a generation higher than him," Shangguan Yu snorted lightly.

"Oh, brother, how can you...."

Shangguan Hong was a bit embarrassed.

"Previously, in Hidden Soldier Valley, I mentioned letting Brother Chen marry you, but his concern was the influence of the Shangguan Family. Once he marries you, he'll be restrained, no need to get too close to the Shangguan Clan.

But now it's different. His power surpasses the Shangguan Clan, no need to worry about the family's influence, but rather needs the family's assistance. Leave this matter to me, don't worry."

Shangguan Yu understood clearly; since the Immortal Battle, he grew a lot, and Shangguan Tiehong also started laying the groundwork for his future as the clan leader.

His mindset inevitably changed.

"I understand."

Shangguan Hong nodded.

"Go back and rest first. After Brother Chen finishes today, I'll take you to meet him."

"Mm."

...

...

The three elites of Shuzhou held a banquet of considerable scale, making sure that anyone of importance in the Shuzhou officialdom would come to welcome Chen Yuan, this legitimate Third Rank official.

This time also marked Chen Yuan's formal declaration of taking over Shuzhou.

At the banquet, toasts were exchanged, and Chen Yuan didn't put on airs, having pleasant conversations with the governor of Shuzhou and the General of Southern Peace. Though not quite familiar, it was a decent acquaintance.

But this was just on the surface. If they were obedient, all would be well. If not, Chen Yuan would gradually find ways to control or replace them for future safety.

It couldn't be done immediately; Jingtai might suspect.

But he had a year to carefully set things up, no need to rush.

The banquet lasted until the evening, only then did it conclude. Lu Renyi, being very perceptive, voluntarily vacated the residence within the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, ordered it to be cleaned for Chen Yuan to rest.

As for himself, he purchased another residence nearby the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.

Chen Yuan, as the governor of the Three States, with Shuzhou at its core, naturally dared not overstep; killing the Golden Envoy of Shuzhou required great power, which he was aware he lacked to handle.

His real reliance is still on Chen Yuan.

That night, after seeing off all the guests, Chen Yuan brought Lu Renyi to the Heavenly Patrol Hall; the atmosphere changed quite a bit compared to before. Chen Yuan, with a calm expression, softly asked:

"You've been in Shuzhou for almost half a month now, is there any trace of Lu Renjia's murderer?"

When Chen Yuan was dispatched from the Capital to the South, Lu Renyi was appointed as the Golden Envoy of Shuzhou; they'd met once, led by Wu Tianxi.

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